FIVE NOTETAKING METHODS

Note taking

Great note-taking takes practice. You have to find a method that works for you, and that may
change depending on the class that youre in (for example, a science class versus a humanities
class). Here are 5 methods that are proven to be successful. Read over each one and decide if
theres one that might work for you.
These styles are described in the format you would use to take notes in class. You might find that
a comfortable method is a combination of 2 or more of the ones listed here, and thats fine.
Figure out what works for you and stick with it!

Page #

THE CORNELL METHOD

Todays Date

Layout of the page and

where to write

You physically draw a line vertically down your paper, leaving 2.5
inches on the left and 6 inches on the right.
This allows you to take notes on the right-hand side of the page leaving
space on the left to summarize the main point with a cue word or
phase.

Organization of concepts

When the instructor moves to a new topic, skip a line.

It is also a great idea to use some organizational structure to your
whole page.
Use bullets!
Use an indented system kind of like outlining
You can underline important words.

Filling in blanks.

If you arent able to completely write down an idea before the

instructor moves on to a new topic, fill it in after class.

Reviewing and Studying

After class, test your knowledge of course material by covering up the

right side of the page, reading the cue words, and trying to remember
as much information as possible. Then check to see if you
remembered correctly. Also write page and day summaries.

Advantages

This is a simple and efficient way of recording and reviewing notes

its easy for pulling out major concepts and ideas. Its simple and
efficient. It saves time and effort because you do-it-right-in-the-firstplace.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS & DISABILITY SERVICES, University of Redlands

6/18/2015

909-748-8069

FIVE NOTETAKING METHODS

Page #
I.

II.
III.

Note taking

THE OUTLINING METHOD

Todays Date
Class Topic: How To Outline Notes
The first level is reserved for each new topic/idea and is very general.
a. This concept must always apply to the level above it (I)
i.
This concept must always apply to the level above it (a)
ii.
This is a second supporting piece of information for the level above it (a) but is equal to the
previous information (i)
iii. This information is a sister to (i) and (ii)
b. This concept applies to the level above it (I) and is a sister to (a)
You dont have to use Roman Numerals, Letters, and Numbers try only indents, dashes, and bullets!
Outlining requires listening and writing in points in an organizational pattern based on space indentation
a. Advantages to outlining
i.
It is well-organized
ii.
It records relationships and content
iii. It reduces editing and is easy to review by turning the main points into questions
b. Disadvantages to outlining
i.
It requires more thought during class for accurate organization.
ii.
It does not always show relationships by sequence.
iii. It doesnt work well if the lecture is moving at a quick pace.

Page #
How?
Set up your paper in
columns and label
appropriate
headings.
The headings could
be categories
covered in the
lecture.
Insert information
(words, phrases,
main ideas, etc) into
the appropriate
category.

THE CHARTING METHOD

Todays Date
Advantages
Disadvantages
When to Use it?
Helps pull out the most
Can be a hard system If youll be tested on facts
relevant information.
to learn to use.
and relationships.

Also reduces the amount You need to know the

of writing necessary.
content that will be
covered during the
lecture before it
begins.
Provides easy review for
memorizing facts and
studying comparisons
and relationships.

If content is heavy and

presented quickly such as
a history course with dates,
people, events, etc.
If you want to get an
overview of the whole
course on one big paper.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS & DISABILITY SERVICES, University of Redlands

6/18/2015

909-748-8069

FIVE NOTETAKING METHODS

Page #

Note taking

THE MAPPING METHOD

Todays Date
A GRAPHIC REPRESENTATION OF A CONCEPT
How does this work?

Maximizes active
participation.

Affords immediate knowledge

toward understanding.

Emphasizes
critical thinking.

What are the Advantages?

Helps you visually

track your lecture.

Relationships can be easily seen

and requires little thinking.

Easy to edit notes

and add colors.

What are the Disadvantages?

You may not hear changes in

content from major points to facts.

THE SENTENCE METHOD

Page #
Todays Date
1. Write every new thought, fact, or topic on a separate line as you progress, numbering each sentence.
2. Advantages: its more organized than writing paragraphs and still records most of the information.
3. Disadvantages: its hard to determine major/minor points and its hard to edit and review with clean-up.
4. Its a good method when theres lots of information and you dont know how the ideas fit together.
5. You can make some connections as you go (for more information, refer to #2).

Developed from http://www.sas.calpoly.edu/asc/ssl/notetaking.systems.html

ACADEMIC SUCCESS & DISABILITY SERVICES, University of Redlands

6/18/2015

909-748-8069